Washing or fixing tank



Dec. 19, 1922.,

J. A. RAMSEY ET AL. WASHING 0R FIXING TANK.

2 SHLETSSHEET l.

FILED JUNE I4, 192].

Dec. 19, 1922.

J. A. RAMSEY ET AL.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

.7 gnueflfow 717789. 42 J/Q/iamsqy I 7 9 #072 PatentedDec. 19, 1922.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JULIAN A. RAMSEY AND EARLE R. DE MONEY, OF WASHINGTON, "PENNSYLVANIA.

WASHING OR FIXING TANK.

Application filed J'une 1491921.. Seria1"No..477,353.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, JULIAN A. 'RAMSEY and EARLE R. DE MONEY, citizens of the United States, and residents of \Vashing ton, in the county of Washington and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain'new and useful Improvements in Washing or Fixing Tanks, of'which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

Our invention relates to a tank for circulating the fixing fluid in the development of films, prints, etc. The tank is also equally well adapted to circulate water in the tank in the process of removing surplus chemicals from the films, prints, etc.

An object of the invention is to provide such a tank with means for agitating the water or developing fluid, as the case may be, in such manner as to keep the fluid in constant circulation and at the same time prevent the films, etc., from packing together.

Another object of'the invention is to provide such agitating means with a motor or other means for operating same, and thereby obviate the necessity of an attendant to keep the fluid in circulation and the films submerged.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of our improved tank with t e agitating means located in one corner thereof.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary horizontal section through a portion of the tank.

Figure 3 is a vertical section taken through the corner of the tank containing the agitating means.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a modified form of tank, and

Figure 5 is a vertical section taken on line 55 of Figure 4.

Referring to the drawing more in detail, the numeral 1 designates the tank, which may be made of porcelain, graniteware or other material not acted on by the fixing fluid. While we have shown a square tank, it will be understood that the tank may be of any desired shape. Attached to one corner of the tank 1 is a shelf or support 2 on which suitably mounted the motor 3.

Extending vertically through the shelf 2 is a shaft 4, which is provided with a step bearing 5 at the bottom of the tank. A bearing, or bushing 6 is also formed in shelf 2 for the shaft 4. A worm wheel 7 isfixed on the'upper end of this shaft and is in mesh with a worm 8 formed on themotor spindle 9. Secured to the lower portion of shaft 4 is a hub 10 carrying vanes or paddles 11; four of these paddles are shown, though, of course, any number found desirable may be used.

Numeral 12 designates a screen which surrounds the paddle shaft and paddles. The mesh of this screen is such size as will permit free circulation of the water or fixing fluid, but will prevent the films, prints, etc., from coming into contact with the paddles In Figures 4 and 5 we have shown a slightly modified form of tank in which the agitating apparatus is located at the end of the tank instead of in a corner, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. In this form the platform 2" extends transversely of the tank and has the motor, paddle shaft, etc., located adjacent one end thereof.

A cover or shield 13 is shown extending over the motor in Figures4 and 5 to prevent oil or dust being thrown into the tank and at the same time protecting the motor from any water or fixing fluid which may be splashed from the tank. This cover may be extended to envelop the worm and worm wheel if found desirable. The cover or shield may also be used in connection with the form shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

In operation the tank. is supplied with developing fluid or water, depending on whether films are to be developed or prints washed. The motor 3 is then started and, through the worm, worm wheel and shaft 4, rotates the paddles or vane 11. This turning of the paddles keeps the liquid constantly in circulation and also causes continuous movement of the films, prints, etc. In this manner the films, etc., are circulated through the liquid and necessarily come into intimate contact therewith.

In accordance with the patent statutes. we have described what we now believe to be the best embodiment of the invention, but we do not wish to be understood thereby as limiting ourselves or the scope of the invention, as many changes and niodificn tions may be made without departing from the spirit oi? the invention, all such we aim to include in the scope of the appended claims.

What W8 claim as new and desire to eecure by Letters Patent is: V

1. A Washing 0r fixing apparatus for films, including'a tank adapted to receive a liquid, a paddle rotatably mounted in said tank and arranged to cause the liquid to travel. in an endless horizontal path and means for preventing contact of the films with the paddle.

Washing or fixing apparatus for films including a tank adapted to receive liquid a paddle rotatably mounted in said tank and arranged to cause the liquid to travel in an endless horizontal path a guard member preventing contact of the films with the pad rounding the blades, said aser-lee a liquid a rotatableblade mounted in said tank and arranged to cause the liquid to travel in an endless horizontal Jath, means for rotating the blade, and means for preventing contact of the films with the blade.

4i. Washing or lining apparatus for films, includinga tank adapted to receive a liquid, a vertically arran ed shattmounted in said tank, radial ve calljv extending blades carried by the shaift, motor for operating said shaft, a guard.

4rd member ,itzintially l'iTY-l JULIAN A. RAMSEY EARLE R. an MUN 1T1 being perforate throughout at entire height.

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